National PTA's Commitment to Positive, Safe Environments for All Students

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (Nov. 16, 2016)—Bullying in schools can prevent many students from reaching their full potential. Now more than ever, it is critical that all students are supported in learning and receive a high-quality, well-rounded education in a safe and healthy environment. National PTA® offers resources to help students, parents and educators prevent bullying behavior and create positive and safe school environments with supportive, inclusive peer relationships.

Bullying is a harsh reality for many of America’s school children and one of the most pressing issues parents and educators face today. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to prevent bullying behavior is to create a positive school climate. Positive school climates exist in schools where students, families and educators all work collaboratively to build a culture of respect and inclusivity which are the foundations of healthy learning environments.

National PTA believes that all children should have access to safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments, so they can focus on achieving academic success and preparing for their futures.

Educators and parents should also have the best information and resources available to help prevent and respond to bullying.

PTAs play a critical role in reducing the incidents of bullying in our schools. This week, National PTA will be hosting a Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Webinar (supported by Univision Contigo and Common Sense Media) on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. EST in Spanish and 7 p.m. EST in English. Join parents, school staff and other caring adults to learn how parents, students and school communities can appropriately respond to and address bullying and cyberbullying.

National PTA has also developed several tools to help school leaders and families prevent bullying and support positive school climates:

Connect for Respect Toolkit

Connect for Respect (C4R) is National PTA’s initiative to help students, parents and educators to create school climates full of safe and supportive peer relationships. This program builds ownership among the student body, educators and parents to improve relationships and climate in the school:

Build a team.Invite students, teachers, community members and parents to work together in improving school climate. Give students a leadership role.

Assess the current school climate. Take inventory of the current challenges and strengths of your school climate and chart your progress.

Engage the school community in dialogue. Bring students, parents and school leaders together for a productive discussion and brainstorm on ways to overcome weaknesses found in assessment.

Develop an action plan. Create a plan that educates and empowers students, families and the broader school community around bullying prevention and safe school environments.

Educate and empower students, families and the community. Sustain your efforts over time by convening a C4R team that works on this issue throughout the school year.

How to Tell When Your Child is Struggling Emotionally

National PTA and the American Psychological Association hosted a webinar featuring board-certified clinical psychologist Dr. David Palmiter to discuss the impact of stress on teens' health and how you can model healthy stress management strategies.

Every Child in Focus

National PTA’s Every Child in Focus is a campaign to ensure all students and families feel welcomed in a school community. The campaign provides resources and advocacy tools to help understand the needs of every child and deepen family-school partnerships to support the unique needs of our nation’s diverse student population.

National PTA Resolution against Bullying

In 2005, National PTA adopted a resolution against bullying. National PTA and its constituent organizations support policies and programs that address the prevention, intervention and elimination of bullying.

National PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing bullying. Every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment that is safe. The protection of students is of utmost importance, so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.